Information

[RitaS]

 The local coffeehouse asked me to teach a craft project over spring break to kids, and instead, I thought we could do a "card for soldiers" make -n-take and invite ALL ages. I have a local printer friend donating cards and envelopes. I still have to figure out where to get paper and adhesives and will email a few mfrs. I know.

BUT my question is...do you think soldiers enjoy a floral patterned card as much as a masculine or military/patriotic themed card?  If it comes down to it I may have to dig in my stash for supplies, and there is lots of girly stuff.

If anyone has done a "cards for soldiers" event and have advice to share I am all ears! I know there are families in the area whose sons/daughters are serving - so I thought we could box up cards and send a box to a couple of APO addresses. Maybe the local American Legion would do that for me and pick up the cost.

[milmomma]

 I've never done an event, but I've been in the army, my husband is in, so were my uncles/dad and more...
And I can say I've met many guys that like floral prints that are in the military. Not all are as rough as they look

[GRACEpunches5]

 when is your event? i just cleaned out my scrap supply and could mail you the bigger pieces. i mean it's just sitting in the closet waiting to have a garage sale. otherwise, i dont' think they would care what pt'd was on it...it's homemade!!!

[GRACEpunches5]

 PM me to talk more!!!!!

[AmyTeets]

I definitley think flowers are ok!  Their are females over there too
Are these cards for them or are these cards they can use to send home to their families? 

[RitaS]

 The event is going to be held Tuesday, March 24th.  We are definitely of the mind set that we would invite people from the community, and surrounding area, to come and make a card AND write a note of thanks to soldiers for their sacrifice on our behalf.

I will probably spend many hours precutting scraps into rectangles and squares and such. My plan is to place "card kits" on each table at the coffeehouse - using a paper clip to keep pre-cut coordinates together with a card. Hopefully have some punches or pre-punched shapes and replenish kits as people come in and use them.

The coffeehouse owner is going to provide free hot chocolate - somehow I think that will draw the kids out of the house. I don't mind older kids coming on their own, but what age shall I say should be accompanied by a parent? Age 6 and under?  Unless I rally some volunteers to help I am quite sure I cannot monitor and instruct a bunch of young kids how to put a card together all at once.

[milmomma]

 I would almost vote 9 or 10 if you dont really wanna be babysitting... I have a few card classes saved where you make 10, 20 or 30 cards from like 3/4 peices of pp/cs. If you'd like those emailed let me know. Then you could just have them paper clipped.(its the sizes of peices with a diagram of how to cut them and then theres instructions on how to put them together.)

[Henu_Nea]

 My dh is in the Navy and I think he would appreciate any pattern. Especially if it's homemade. You've also got A LOT of females that are deployed....like Angie!!!!

If there's a base by you, you could ask a military member to send it over since the military mail is free. It takes a little longer than USPS but base to base mail is free.

[Scrapnelle]

 Rita, I have a bunch of papers that might work for you. I did a demo for Fiskars a while back and they sent "tons" of paper. I would be glad to share if you are still in need for more. Let me know.

[terri04]

 you are so sweet to be doing this.

[sdwhru]

 I think most soldiers are not going to care as long as they get cards!

[nun69]

 I tell you that any card works for a soldier when they are away from home and their family  so flowers, PP, crayons, anything...whatever a kid does, it is ALWAYS the thought behind it....one suggestion I have, is  if the parent't don;t mind, have the kids put their return address on the card somewhere and hopefully whoever receives the card will send a little thank you back...I know I would  and the cards that we have rec'd over here didn;t have a return address anywhere and I would have LOVED to have written a little not back saying how great it was to receive a handmade card special for me....and just FYI...the kids that just have paper and crayons make the best cards! so I would suggest LOTS of blank white cards and crayons...

ETA: if you aren't already aware, I am serving in the Navy in Kuwait right now up until July of this year...just thought that would give you a little more insight into my thoughts above

[baltoscrapper]

 My first thought is, not all soldiers are guys! I know our Angie is over there and she likes florals!

[JeanG]

 When my DH was in 'Nam, he'd have appreciated any mail. I have made it a habit for many years to thank all the Veterans I know on Nov.11th.

[jiffy]

 I agree with the comments that the ones who are serving over there, won't care if it's floral or masculine themed cards, but rather will just be grateful to be receiving any type of mail.     This is a wonderful outreach service!    Good on you!   xoxx

P.S.    Quite sadly; we lost three more brave boys yesterday who are serving over there.    Roadside bomb.     Very sad.    One of the boys will be coming back here to Ontario today.